This article was originally published in the Reading Eagle:
https://www.readingeagle.com/2024/01/04/superintendents-forum-the-new-years-resolution-public-education-needs/
By: Dr. Patrick Winters, Twin Valley School District
Thursday, January 4, 2024
The year 2024 is officially here, and with the start of a new year comes many resolutions that individuals choose to focus on and/or aspire to achieve.
For example, this time every year we hear the commitments to lose weight, eat better, exercise more frequently, save more money and spend more time with family. All of these resolutions start with the best of intentions. Some are achieved, and many lose steam and are revisited a year later.
However, I would argue that public education needs a resolution as well, but unlike many of the ones referenced above, this resolution is one that we can ill afford to not accomplish. It is the resolution to reframe public education and shift its focus back to being what it truly is … the noblest profession that one can choose to pursue.
Why this resolution and why now? Public school teachers have a profound impact on shaping the future of the individuals they educate by fostering their intellectual growth and instilling values. Those are noble pursuits and worthy of a New Year’s resolution.
First, being a teacher in the public education system is noble because teachers play a pivotal role in shaping the minds of the next generation of young people. Our educators are entrusted with the responsibility of developing the knowledge and skills to prepare our students for the challenges that lie ahead.
By admirably taking on that task, teachers contribute directly to the intellectual growth of their students, equipping them with the tools necessary to succeed in a complex and rapidly changing world. Not to mention, the ability to inspire curiosity, critical thinking and a love for learning is a notable characteristic of effective teaching, and it is through these qualities that our teachers become architects of the futures of those whom they educate.
Second, our public-school teachers are vital for the role they play by instilling values and fostering high character in students. Our teachers often work with diverse student populations, each with unique backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. By creating a respectful learning environment, our teachers contribute to the development of responsible, empathetic, and caring individuals. After all, by teaching not only subject matter but essential life skills and ethical principles as well, our educators lay the foundation for molding the next generation of responsible, productive citizens who will lead this great nation.
Lastly, we cannot forget the challenges faced by our public-school teachers, such as limited resources, diverse student needs and societal expectations. All of these, and other challenges, make the teaching profession even more commendable. However, despite these challenges, teachers persevere, driven by a genuine passion for education and a belief in the transformative power of knowledge and its impact on the students they serve. Therefore, their willingness to navigate these challenges and make a positive impact on the lives of students is a testament to the nobility inherent in the teaching profession.
In closing, public-school teaching stands out as one of the noblest professions due to its profound impact on students and communities not only in Berks County but in Pennsylvania and across the United States as well.
Through our teachers’ dedication, they contribute significantly to shaping a brighter future, and the transcendent influence they have on the lives of their students highlights the true nobility of the profession. Therefore, as we move forward in 2024, let’s remain firm in our commitment to meet this resolution and work together to champion public education as the noblest profession. Happy New Year Public Education! You have our gratitude, support, and appreciation for being the profession that changes lives!